Madonna‘s songs could get edgy, but one draws lyrics from a famous nursery rhyme. Most other pop stars would sound ridiculous singing such lyrics, but the Material Girl knew what she was doing. Madonna worked with a great producer to bring the song to life. He revealed what he thought of the Queen of Pop during the early days of her career.
Madonna’s songs where originally more family-friendly
Madonna really started getting risque when she put out her hit “Like a Virgin” in 1984. By the early 1990s, she released a book called Sex, an album called Erotica, and a kinky thriller called Body of Evidence. However, when she started her career, the Queen of Pop’s image was more family-friendly. Her first album, Madonna, could be considered a bubblegum pop album.
Perhaps its most bubblegum song is “Lucky Star.” The track repeatedly uses the line “starlight / star bright” from “Twinkle,...
Madonna’s songs where originally more family-friendly
Madonna really started getting risque when she put out her hit “Like a Virgin” in 1984. By the early 1990s, she released a book called Sex, an album called Erotica, and a kinky thriller called Body of Evidence. However, when she started her career, the Queen of Pop’s image was more family-friendly. Her first album, Madonna, could be considered a bubblegum pop album.
Perhaps its most bubblegum song is “Lucky Star.” The track repeatedly uses the line “starlight / star bright” from “Twinkle,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Top 10 were revealed in a live two-hour broadcast of “American Idol” Monday night. Host Ryan Seacrest called the Top 12 to the stage to perform on “Billboard #1 Hits Night,” mentored by Meghan Trainor. In a poll conducted just after the episode, we asked, “Which contestant gave the best performance of the night?” For the first time this season, Kayko came out on top with his rendition of “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye. Watch his full performance above.
After his performance, all three judges rushed the stage to give Kayko hugs out of excitement for his lively set. Luke Bryan said that “it worked” and Lionel Richie gave him three big “wow” exclamations.
After thousands of votes were recorded, Kayko ended up with 24% of the tally, followed by Julia Gagnon (“Something in the Orange”) with 15%, Abi Carter (“All Too Well”) with 11%, Triston Harper (“Beautiful Crazy”) with 10% and Will Moseley...
After his performance, all three judges rushed the stage to give Kayko hugs out of excitement for his lively set. Luke Bryan said that “it worked” and Lionel Richie gave him three big “wow” exclamations.
After thousands of votes were recorded, Kayko ended up with 24% of the tally, followed by Julia Gagnon (“Something in the Orange”) with 15%, Abi Carter (“All Too Well”) with 11%, Triston Harper (“Beautiful Crazy”) with 10% and Will Moseley...
- 4/26/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Josh Brolin returned to host Saturday Night Live and stripped off his clothes to take a cold plunge during his monologue.
“This is my third time hosting and man, there’s just nothing like it,” Brolin said. “You know, I’ve been doing cold plunges for 20 years and the only thing that I can compare this show to is that.”
Brolin continued as he took off his clothes, “Hosting is like jumping into an ice bath. It’s scary; it’s exhilarating, your penis is in your stomach, there’s just no way to prepare for it. So what you gotta do is just jump right in. Surrender to the discomfort!”
The Dune: Part Two actor took the plunge and finished off his monologue.
At the top of his hosting duties, Brolin reminded viewers that it had been 12 years since he last hosted the NBC late-night show.
“I’ve missed this place.
“This is my third time hosting and man, there’s just nothing like it,” Brolin said. “You know, I’ve been doing cold plunges for 20 years and the only thing that I can compare this show to is that.”
Brolin continued as he took off his clothes, “Hosting is like jumping into an ice bath. It’s scary; it’s exhilarating, your penis is in your stomach, there’s just no way to prepare for it. So what you gotta do is just jump right in. Surrender to the discomfort!”
The Dune: Part Two actor took the plunge and finished off his monologue.
At the top of his hosting duties, Brolin reminded viewers that it had been 12 years since he last hosted the NBC late-night show.
“I’ve missed this place.
- 3/10/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
In the documentary “Resynator,” director Alison Tavel resurrects a synthesizer prototype that her late father, Don, invented.
Tavel, who lost her father when she was just 10 weeks old, initially wanted to make a short film doc about the synthesizer, which her father called the Resynator. The late-1970s invention generated a lot of buzz but never reached mass production. Tavel’s curiosity about the instrument ultimately led the director on a journey that helped her not only understand the Resynator and how it worked, but also who her father really was.
Tavel’s short doc eventually turned into a 96-minute film that includes interviews with estranged family, friends, inventors and celebrated musicians including Peter Gabriel, Fred Armisen and Jon Anderson.
Variety spoke to Tavel ahead of the doc’s SXSW world premiere on March 10.
What inspired you to make this documentary?
I had been on tour with [musician] Grace Potter for...
Tavel, who lost her father when she was just 10 weeks old, initially wanted to make a short film doc about the synthesizer, which her father called the Resynator. The late-1970s invention generated a lot of buzz but never reached mass production. Tavel’s curiosity about the instrument ultimately led the director on a journey that helped her not only understand the Resynator and how it worked, but also who her father really was.
Tavel’s short doc eventually turned into a 96-minute film that includes interviews with estranged family, friends, inventors and celebrated musicians including Peter Gabriel, Fred Armisen and Jon Anderson.
Variety spoke to Tavel ahead of the doc’s SXSW world premiere on March 10.
What inspired you to make this documentary?
I had been on tour with [musician] Grace Potter for...
- 3/7/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
This is a weird year for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammys, as none of the nominated songs are particularly smash hits, unlike past years with winners like Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Old Town Road (Remix),” Portugal. The Man’s “Feel It Still” or Gotye and Kimbra’s “Somebody That I Used to Know.”
SEEGold Derby Music Awards nominations: ‘Barbie,’ Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, …
The biggest hit here (by far) is Taylor Swift’s “Karma.” However, the solo version is the one that’s really a big hit. The remix featuring Ice Spice, which is the version nominated here, has only racked up a relatively modest 74 million streams, which would make it only the third most streamed hit here. That version was also not particularly well received, which could hurt its chances. Still, voters might just turn a blind eye to which version they are voting for,...
SEEGold Derby Music Awards nominations: ‘Barbie,’ Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, …
The biggest hit here (by far) is Taylor Swift’s “Karma.” However, the solo version is the one that’s really a big hit. The remix featuring Ice Spice, which is the version nominated here, has only racked up a relatively modest 74 million streams, which would make it only the third most streamed hit here. That version was also not particularly well received, which could hurt its chances. Still, voters might just turn a blind eye to which version they are voting for,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
The MTV Video Music Awards have celebrated the best in the medium for almost as long as music videos have been a thing. Scroll down to see watch every single winner of Video of the Year. What years did the VMAs get it right, and what years were they shockingly out of tune?
SEEBeyonce songs, ranked: Counting down her greatest hits 2023: Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”
Other Awards It Won:
Song of the Year
Best Pop
Best Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Visual Effects
Who Else Was Nominated:
Doja Cat, “Attention”
Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl”
Olivia Rodrigo, “Vampire”
Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy”
Sza, “Kill Bill”
2022: Taylor Swift, “All Too Well”
Other Awards It Won:
Best Long Form Video
Best Direction
Who Else Was Nominated:
Doja Cat, “Woman”
Drake feat. Future and Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”
Ed Sheeran, “Shivers”
Harry Styles, “As It Was”
Lil Nas X feat.
SEEBeyonce songs, ranked: Counting down her greatest hits 2023: Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”
Other Awards It Won:
Song of the Year
Best Pop
Best Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Visual Effects
Who Else Was Nominated:
Doja Cat, “Attention”
Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
Nicki Minaj, “Super Freaky Girl”
Olivia Rodrigo, “Vampire”
Sam Smith and Kim Petras, “Unholy”
Sza, “Kill Bill”
2022: Taylor Swift, “All Too Well”
Other Awards It Won:
Best Long Form Video
Best Direction
Who Else Was Nominated:
Doja Cat, “Woman”
Drake feat. Future and Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”
Ed Sheeran, “Shivers”
Harry Styles, “As It Was”
Lil Nas X feat.
- 9/13/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Monday’s episode of The Voice put tears in the eyes of Mega Mentor Reba McEntire, she was so moved by one performance — and that was just in rehearsal. Me, I was more blown away by a different performer and their ability to give me goosebumps. Who made you see stars on Night 1 of the Knockouts? Let’s run through all of the contestants’ efforts, then we’ll discuss.
More from TVLineDestination X Reality-Bending Adventure Competition Set at Nbcsnl Video: Dog Acting School Is a Beautiful DisasterSNL Video: American Girl Dolls Movie Is Like Barbie, But With More Cholera
Team...
More from TVLineDestination X Reality-Bending Adventure Competition Set at Nbcsnl Video: Dog Acting School Is a Beautiful DisasterSNL Video: American Girl Dolls Movie Is Like Barbie, But With More Cholera
Team...
- 4/18/2023
- by Charlie Mason
- TVLine.com
NBC’s The Voice Season 23 continues on with the Knockout rounds now that the Battle Rounds finished. The Knockouts last for two episodes, and they bring 24 contestants to the stage to duke it out for their spot in the top 20 for the Playoffs. So, what songs do the competitors sing during the Knockouts? Here are some of the songs fans will hear, according to The Voice Season 23 spoilers.
[Spoiler alert: The Voice Season 23 spoilers ahead regarding the songs in the Knockout Rounds.]
Chance the Rapper and Reba McEntire on ‘The Voice’ Season 23 | Tyler Golden/NBC 28 contestants move forward into the Knockout Rounds
The Voice Season 23 Knockout Rounds begin on April 17, 2023. Fans will see 24 contestants take to the stage, though four of them get to skip singing, as they have the Playoff Pass. The 24 competitors set to sing will sing against one of their competitors. The round winner will move forward, and the loser is then available for the coaches to steal.
The Voice Season...
[Spoiler alert: The Voice Season 23 spoilers ahead regarding the songs in the Knockout Rounds.]
Chance the Rapper and Reba McEntire on ‘The Voice’ Season 23 | Tyler Golden/NBC 28 contestants move forward into the Knockout Rounds
The Voice Season 23 Knockout Rounds begin on April 17, 2023. Fans will see 24 contestants take to the stage, though four of them get to skip singing, as they have the Playoff Pass. The 24 competitors set to sing will sing against one of their competitors. The round winner will move forward, and the loser is then available for the coaches to steal.
The Voice Season...
- 4/17/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The wheels are not close to coming off the “Carpool Karaoke” franchise, as a series of new episodes was announced Monday morning for Apple TV+, featuring stars ranging from pop singer Avril Lavigne to TV star Sheryl Lee Ralph to current Broadway queen Lea Michele.
The eight new “Carpool Karaoke: The Series” episodes will bow globally on the platform June 23.
While most of the installments pair up two stars, three of the episodes promise to incorporate the cast of a series: Netflix’s “Girls5eva,” CBS’ “Ghosts” and Apple TV+’s “The Afterparty.”
Some of the partners in carpooling have a joint project to promote. Alison Brie and Danny Pudi, for instance, are not only mutual “Community” alumni but recently reunited for the rom-com “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Not coincidentally, a teaser that was already posted for their “Karaoke” episode has them singing the Gotye song of that same name.
The eight new “Carpool Karaoke: The Series” episodes will bow globally on the platform June 23.
While most of the installments pair up two stars, three of the episodes promise to incorporate the cast of a series: Netflix’s “Girls5eva,” CBS’ “Ghosts” and Apple TV+’s “The Afterparty.”
Some of the partners in carpooling have a joint project to promote. Alison Brie and Danny Pudi, for instance, are not only mutual “Community” alumni but recently reunited for the rom-com “Somebody That I Used to Know.” Not coincidentally, a teaser that was already posted for their “Karaoke” episode has them singing the Gotye song of that same name.
- 4/3/2023
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
There are few 2010s songs as iconic as Fun’s number-one hit “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monáe. It introduced the world to both Fun — and most importantly, soon-to-be-world-renowned producer Jack Antonoff, who was a member of the band — as well as acclaimed singer and actress Monáe. “We Are Young” itself was much loved, going on to win the Grammy for Song of the Year with additional nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Released in September 2011, “We Are Young” was very much a product of its time. Its popularity was spurred by its feature on the popular TV show “Glee,” and it also was part of a new wave of indie pop hits that really ruled the year. Songs like Gotye and Kimbra’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Neon Trees’ “Everybody Talks,” Imagine Dragons’ “It’s Time,” and Ellie Goulding’s “Lights...
Released in September 2011, “We Are Young” was very much a product of its time. Its popularity was spurred by its feature on the popular TV show “Glee,” and it also was part of a new wave of indie pop hits that really ruled the year. Songs like Gotye and Kimbra’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Neon Trees’ “Everybody Talks,” Imagine Dragons’ “It’s Time,” and Ellie Goulding’s “Lights...
- 3/19/2023
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
The 2023 Grammy Awards are especially competitive in top categories this year. Record of the Year and Song of the Year seem especially tough to call, with Adele‘s “Easy on Me” and Harry Styles‘ “As It was” jockeying for top position in our current Gold Derby odds. Most prognosticators will choose one over the other in both categories — but is that the smart choice? How often do these categories see a split between two artists? And how often do they match up?
See Will the Grammys do something ‘Unholy’ for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance?
Since 2000, 12 artists have swept the two General Field categories: “Smooth” by Santana (2000), “Beautiful Day” by U2 (2001), “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones in 2003, “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Chicks (2007), “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse (2008), “Need You Now” by Lady A (2011), “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele (2012), “Stay With My” by Sam Smith (2015), “Hello...
See Will the Grammys do something ‘Unholy’ for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance?
Since 2000, 12 artists have swept the two General Field categories: “Smooth” by Santana (2000), “Beautiful Day” by U2 (2001), “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones in 2003, “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Chicks (2007), “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse (2008), “Need You Now” by Lady A (2011), “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele (2012), “Stay With My” by Sam Smith (2015), “Hello...
- 12/28/2022
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Will Bjork finally catch a break? She’s loved by the Recording Academy, but only to an extent. She has 15 past Grammy nominations and 15 past Grammy losses, making her one of the most nominated artists in Grammy history without a win. She’s currently behind only conductor Zubin Mehta (18), rapper Snoop Dogg (17), and mastering engineer Chris Gehringer (17). At this point the Grammys for her are like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football. But maybe, just maybe, this time will be different.
Bjork received her sweet 16th Grammy nomination this year: Best Alternative Music Album for “Fossora.” It’s her ninth bid in the category, which makes her the most nominated woman in the history of the award, the most nominated solo artist, and the second most nominated artist overall behind Thom Yorke who has been recognized 10 times between his solo work and fronting the band Radiohead. But Radiohead have won three times,...
Bjork received her sweet 16th Grammy nomination this year: Best Alternative Music Album for “Fossora.” It’s her ninth bid in the category, which makes her the most nominated woman in the history of the award, the most nominated solo artist, and the second most nominated artist overall behind Thom Yorke who has been recognized 10 times between his solo work and fronting the band Radiohead. But Radiohead have won three times,...
- 11/30/2022
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
It took Stromae nine years to return to music. The reason, he says, was simple: “I needed to get inspired by normal stuff.” After seeing international success with his 2010 club-pop single “Alors on Danse” and making history as the first French-singing performer to sell out Madison Square Garden, in 2015, the Belgian artist felt that he needed to “live a normal life.” So he took a hiatus.
Away from the spotlight, Stromae had a baby, married his longtime costume designer, Coralie Barbier, with whom he created and grew a fashion label called Mosaert,...
Away from the spotlight, Stromae had a baby, married his longtime costume designer, Coralie Barbier, with whom he created and grew a fashion label called Mosaert,...
- 10/21/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Welcome to YouTube Millionaires, where we profile channels that have recently crossed the one million subscriber mark. There are channels crossing this threshold every week, and each creator has a story to tell about YouTube success. Read previous installments here.
Steve Onotera didn’t want to be a guitar teacher.
He wanted to be a rock star.
As a 13-year-old, he saw Blink-182 once live in concert, and he was utterly, completely smitten. That, he decided, was what he wanted. So he picked up a guitar, and by the time he was ready for college, he was ready for his passion to be his career. He enrolled in music school in Toronto, and during his first year, met this guy named Joel. They shared a similar goal: hit it big in the music industry. It seemed far-fetched.
Until Joel and his band went viral.
See, when Onotera met Joel, he was just some guy.
Steve Onotera didn’t want to be a guitar teacher.
He wanted to be a rock star.
As a 13-year-old, he saw Blink-182 once live in concert, and he was utterly, completely smitten. That, he decided, was what he wanted. So he picked up a guitar, and by the time he was ready for college, he was ready for his passion to be his career. He enrolled in music school in Toronto, and during his first year, met this guy named Joel. They shared a similar goal: hit it big in the music industry. It seemed far-fetched.
Until Joel and his band went viral.
See, when Onotera met Joel, he was just some guy.
- 9/22/2022
- by James Hale
- Tubefilter.com
Benee just wants a vampire boyfriend. On Monday, the New Zealand singer channeled her inner twerking witch as she cast a spell to get herself a blood-sucking “Beach Boy” in the video for her new song.
“We’re by the ocean, think we need a break/Maybe this ain’t it, but I still want this,” she sings on the track. “Beach boy, be my bitch, babe/If it’s only for a day, take me out, but I won’t stay.”
Backed by an Eighties horror film aesthetic, Benee...
“We’re by the ocean, think we need a break/Maybe this ain’t it, but I still want this,” she sings on the track. “Beach boy, be my bitch, babe/If it’s only for a day, take me out, but I won’t stay.”
Backed by an Eighties horror film aesthetic, Benee...
- 2/14/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
It isn’t often that a debut single goes on to become the biggest song of the year. Historically, it’s taken a swaggering, genre-squashing disruptor like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” or something like Kesha’s “Tik Tok,” so hooky and energetic it might just cause withdrawal, for a track from a newbie to overthrow established stars. But can a slow-burning pop ballad about teenage heartbreak pull it off?
According to the numbers, “Drivers License” has a shot.
The song, which propelled Olivia Rodrigo from Disney star...
According to the numbers, “Drivers License” has a shot.
The song, which propelled Olivia Rodrigo from Disney star...
- 7/1/2021
- by Emily Blake
- Rollingstone.com
A teenager won the Grammy for Record of the Year for the last two years in a row: Billie Eilish for “Bad Guy” (2020) and “Everything I Wanted” (2021). Now the under-20 set could make it three in a row as 18-year-old newcomer Olivia Rodrigo is already a leading contender at the 2022 awards for her breakthrough hit “Drivers License.” Watch the music video above.
“Drivers License” was released on January 8 and debuted at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. That in and of itself isn’t unusual anymore. Debuting at the top used to be rare, but now it happens all the time thanks in large part to the rise of streaming making it easier for fans to listen to new songs on repeat as soon as they’re released. What makes “Drivers License” special is that it held on to the number-one spot for eight weeks, making it one of...
“Drivers License” was released on January 8 and debuted at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. That in and of itself isn’t unusual anymore. Debuting at the top used to be rare, but now it happens all the time thanks in large part to the rise of streaming making it easier for fans to listen to new songs on repeat as soon as they’re released. What makes “Drivers License” special is that it held on to the number-one spot for eight weeks, making it one of...
- 4/7/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
If you were around during the early 2010s, you probably have vivid memories of the hit single “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye after his third studio album Making Mirrors. The smooth pop tune became a huge hit and reached number one on several US charts. The song even won two Grammy Awards, one for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and another for Record of the Year. By the end of the year, it looked like Gotye was going to be the next big pop star. To everyone’s surprise though, he just kind of disappeared. Gotye hasn’t released an
Whatever Happened to Gotye?...
Whatever Happened to Gotye?...
- 3/28/2021
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
The Grammys don’t have a very good track record when it comes to honoring rap music in general field categories. Though the genre has come to dominate the charts, there wasn’t a single hip-hop winner for Record of the Year until “This is America” by Childish Gambino in 2019. Could “Savage (Remix)” by Megan Thee Stallion and Beyonce be the second just two years later?
According to the combined predictions of Gold Derby users, “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa is the front-runner with leading odds of 9/2. It’s a more traditional Grammy contender than “Savage” — a pop breakup anthem like Adele‘s “Rolling in the Deep” and Gotye‘s “Somebody That I Used to Know” in a throwback style like Daft Punk‘s “Get Lucky.” Lipa is also helped by the fact that the song is additionally nominated for Song of the Year, and that her “Future...
According to the combined predictions of Gold Derby users, “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa is the front-runner with leading odds of 9/2. It’s a more traditional Grammy contender than “Savage” — a pop breakup anthem like Adele‘s “Rolling in the Deep” and Gotye‘s “Somebody That I Used to Know” in a throwback style like Daft Punk‘s “Get Lucky.” Lipa is also helped by the fact that the song is additionally nominated for Song of the Year, and that her “Future...
- 3/10/2021
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Just in time for the Australian Open — the first Grand Slam event of the tennis season — streaming service Pandora has released a list of the most “thumbed up” songs by Australian artists on its platform. The new data is part of a collaboration between Pandora and the Tennis Channel, timed to the start of the Australian Open tournament, which runs from February 8th to February 21st.
Gotye and Kimbra’s 2011 mega-hit, “Somebody That I Used To Know,” tops Pandora’s list, followed by Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” (featuring Charli Xcx), and AC/DC’s classic,...
Gotye and Kimbra’s 2011 mega-hit, “Somebody That I Used To Know,” tops Pandora’s list, followed by Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” (featuring Charli Xcx), and AC/DC’s classic,...
- 2/8/2021
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
“American Idol” fans have made their second round of predictions at Gold Derby. As a group, they believe that the four singers who will be eliminated on May 10 are: Sophia James, Grace Leer, Makayla Phillips and Jovin Webb. Do you agree or disagree with our readers’ choices? There’s still time to make your predictions before the Top 7 is revealed by Ryan Seacrest on the live edition of “American Idol” on Sunday night, so get started now.
The Top 11 finalists performed last Sunday for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Only a lucky seven will advance based on America’s overnight vote. That will mean the end of the road for four contestants. See more “American Idol” odds and rankings.
Here’s a recap of this quartet’s performances on season 18 of “American Idol.”
Sophia James
Audition: “Water” by Bishop Briggs
Hollywood Duet: “Somebody That I Used to...
The Top 11 finalists performed last Sunday for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. Only a lucky seven will advance based on America’s overnight vote. That will mean the end of the road for four contestants. See more “American Idol” odds and rankings.
Here’s a recap of this quartet’s performances on season 18 of “American Idol.”
Sophia James
Audition: “Water” by Bishop Briggs
Hollywood Duet: “Somebody That I Used to...
- 5/9/2020
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
It’s hard to imagine the Grammys overlooking breakout stars Billie Eilish and Lizzo in the Best New Artist race. They could actually make history by both sweeping the general field nominations. But in an especially competitive year for new artists, who will claim the other six slots in the category?
As of this writing Eilish is the front-runner with leading odds of 7/1 based on the combined predictions of more than 2,000 Gold Derby users. She’s the favorite for Album of the Year and Record and Song of the Year (“Bad Guy”) too. Lizzo is close behind with 8/1 odds. Rounding out the category in our current forecasts are Maggie Rogers (12/1 odds), Lil Nas X (13/1 odds), Lewis Capaldi (14/1 odds). Rosalia (15/1 odds), Megan Thee Stallion (20/1 odds) and Tyler Childers (35/1 odds).
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
Rogers is the kind of solo female singer-songwriter this category tends to love,...
As of this writing Eilish is the front-runner with leading odds of 7/1 based on the combined predictions of more than 2,000 Gold Derby users. She’s the favorite for Album of the Year and Record and Song of the Year (“Bad Guy”) too. Lizzo is close behind with 8/1 odds. Rounding out the category in our current forecasts are Maggie Rogers (12/1 odds), Lil Nas X (13/1 odds), Lewis Capaldi (14/1 odds). Rosalia (15/1 odds), Megan Thee Stallion (20/1 odds) and Tyler Childers (35/1 odds).
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
Rogers is the kind of solo female singer-songwriter this category tends to love,...
- 10/21/2019
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
From the moment it became the first video shown on MTV to when it appeared on The Wedding Singer, the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” has transcended generations. Thankfully, we’re set for 2019: Walk Off The Earth has collaborated with Sarah Silverman on a cover of the new wave hit, complete with flutes, drooling babies and a xylophone.
The video features footage of the group recording the single. Silverman takes the lead vocals, backed by Walk Off The Earth members Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Luminati. When Silverman sings...
The video features footage of the group recording the single. Silverman takes the lead vocals, backed by Walk Off The Earth members Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Luminati. When Silverman sings...
- 4/5/2019
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
A member of Canadian pop band Walk off the Earth died this weekend just as the group was about to play a New Year's Eve show and embark on an international tour. WotE announced Mike 'Beard Guy' Taylor's passing Sunday on their official social media pages, saying he had died peacefully Saturday in his sleep of natural causes ... but did not elaborate further. In their statement, the band says ... "It is with profound sadness that...
- 12/31/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
In 1983, Rolling Stone’s Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll opened with these words: “There’s no stopping rock & roll. It is the most vital, unpredictable force in pop culture, and the exception to every rule.” Pop culture has changed a lot over the last three decades — within a few years of that book’s publication, critics were questioning whether Depeche Mode was rock and Van Halen and Zz Top were scoring hits with synthesizers — but one thing remains true: rock is unpredictable.
Although the genre remains vital — check out the records by Kurt Vile,...
Although the genre remains vital — check out the records by Kurt Vile,...
- 12/21/2018
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Joel Klaiman is leaving Columbia Records, Variety has confirmed. A veteran promotion and marketing executive, he joined the label in 2012 and most recently served as executive VP and Gm. Among his responsibilities, Klaiman oversaw the label’s marketing, digital marketing, promotion, publicity, branding, sync licensing, video production and content development departments.
Klaiman’s exit comes seven months after Ron Perry took the top job at the Sony Music label and in the wake of recent departures by senior VP of pop promotion Jon Borris, A&R executive Mark Williams and Evp of Marketing Doneen Lombardi. According to sources, Perry continues to restructure staff as he settles into his chairmanship, though Klaiman’s exit is said to be a “mutual parting.”
“Joel has been an integral and key part of the success of Columbia over the past 6 years,” said Sony Music CEO Rob Stringer. “He is a great executive and I know...
Klaiman’s exit comes seven months after Ron Perry took the top job at the Sony Music label and in the wake of recent departures by senior VP of pop promotion Jon Borris, A&R executive Mark Williams and Evp of Marketing Doneen Lombardi. According to sources, Perry continues to restructure staff as he settles into his chairmanship, though Klaiman’s exit is said to be a “mutual parting.”
“Joel has been an integral and key part of the success of Columbia over the past 6 years,” said Sony Music CEO Rob Stringer. “He is a great executive and I know...
- 8/8/2018
- by Shirley Halperin
- Variety Film + TV
Darcus Beese, president of Island Records U.K., will take over at the helm of the label’s U.S. operation, sources confirm to Variety. The news was first reported in Hits.
A London native with a West Indian background, Beese has been with Island for his entire professional career, joining as an assistant in the promotion department in 1993 and gradually rising to A&R director, in 2008 to co-president, and president five years later. He signed and/or worked closely with a wide array of artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, Disclosure, Taio Cruz, Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, Gotye, Jessie J, and others. He also oversaw the U.K. success of Drake, the Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, and the continued success of U2 — all of whom are signed to the label in the U.K.
He is also an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), a distinction he...
A London native with a West Indian background, Beese has been with Island for his entire professional career, joining as an assistant in the promotion department in 1993 and gradually rising to A&R director, in 2008 to co-president, and president five years later. He signed and/or worked closely with a wide array of artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, Disclosure, Taio Cruz, Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, Gotye, Jessie J, and others. He also oversaw the U.K. success of Drake, the Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, and the continued success of U2 — all of whom are signed to the label in the U.K.
He is also an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), a distinction he...
- 4/24/2018
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
Darcus Beese, president of Island Records U.K., will replace outgoing David Massey at the helm of the label’s U.S. operation, sources confirmed to Variety. The news was first reported in Hits; reps for Island and parent company Universal Music Group did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
A London native with a West Indian background, Beese has been with Island for his entire professional career, joining as an assistant in the promotion department in 1993 and gradually rising to A&R director, in 2008 co-president and president five years later. He signed and/or worked closely with a wide array of artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, Disclosure, Taio Cruz, Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, Gotye, Jessie J and others. He also oversaw the U.K. success of Drake, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj and the continued success of U2 — all of whom are signed to the label in the U.
A London native with a West Indian background, Beese has been with Island for his entire professional career, joining as an assistant in the promotion department in 1993 and gradually rising to A&R director, in 2008 co-president and president five years later. He signed and/or worked closely with a wide array of artists including Amy Winehouse, Florence & the Machine, Disclosure, Taio Cruz, Dizzee Rascal, Ben Howard, Gotye, Jessie J and others. He also oversaw the U.K. success of Drake, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj and the continued success of U2 — all of whom are signed to the label in the U.
- 4/24/2018
- by Shirley Halperin and Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
The 2017 edition of YouTube Rewind recently landed on the world’s top video site, bringing together hundreds of creators for a look back at the year’s top videos, trends, and stories. Led by its star-studded cast, the celebratory clip has received more than 150 million views and has inspired numerous parodies.
Recent iterations of YouTube’s annual end-of-year tradition have been so stuffed with star power that most creators get only a few frames of screen time, but that wasn’t always the case. The first time YouTube invited multiple creators to join its Rewind production was in 2012, when more than two dozen participated in a recap of the year’s most notable moments.
Now that five years have elapsed since that video came together, we here at Tubefilter figured it would be fun to look back at YouTube Rewind 2012 to figure out where its stars are now, where they were then,...
Recent iterations of YouTube’s annual end-of-year tradition have been so stuffed with star power that most creators get only a few frames of screen time, but that wasn’t always the case. The first time YouTube invited multiple creators to join its Rewind production was in 2012, when more than two dozen participated in a recap of the year’s most notable moments.
Now that five years have elapsed since that video came together, we here at Tubefilter figured it would be fun to look back at YouTube Rewind 2012 to figure out where its stars are now, where they were then,...
- 12/21/2017
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
“Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course you can… of course you can.”
If Jay Gatsby had been born 80 or 90 years later, he could easily have run a movie studio instead of running booze — after all, repeating the past seems to be all that Hollywood really does these days. Of course, the film industry has always sustained itself by transfiguring history into images and then embalming them as culture (that business approach is baked into the medium itself, which allows artists to paint with time as vividly as they might with color), but there’s a vast difference between revisiting our memories and resigning to them; there’s a vast difference between looking at a green light across a misty harbor, and being so mesmerized by the promise of its fading emerald glow that it obscures the possibility of all other futures.
Once upon a time, Disney adapted classic...
If Jay Gatsby had been born 80 or 90 years later, he could easily have run a movie studio instead of running booze — after all, repeating the past seems to be all that Hollywood really does these days. Of course, the film industry has always sustained itself by transfiguring history into images and then embalming them as culture (that business approach is baked into the medium itself, which allows artists to paint with time as vividly as they might with color), but there’s a vast difference between revisiting our memories and resigning to them; there’s a vast difference between looking at a green light across a misty harbor, and being so mesmerized by the promise of its fading emerald glow that it obscures the possibility of all other futures.
Once upon a time, Disney adapted classic...
- 4/3/2017
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Mumford & Sons were awarded the top honor of the evening at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, taking home 'Album of the Year' with their effort 'Babel'. The Black Keys received the most wins on the night with four Grammys while Jay-z, Kanye West and Gotye each received three. Check out the complete list of winners below. 1. Record Of The Year Somebody That I Used To Know Gotye Featuring Kimbra Wally De Backer, producer; Wally De Backer & Francois Tetaz, engineers/mixers; William Bowden, mastering engineer Track from: Making Mirrors Label: Universal Republic 2. Album Of The Year Babel Mumford & Sons Markus Dravs, producer; Robin Baynton & Ruadhri Cushnan, engineers/mixers; Bob Ludwig, mastering engineer Label: Glassnote 3. Song Of The Year We Are Young Jack Antonoff, Jeff...
- 2/11/2013
- by Keven Skinner
- The Daily BLAM!
As the Feb. 10 55th annual Grammy Awards edge closer, we’re analyzing a category a day. Today, we look at one of the top four awards, Record of the Year. Record of the Year nominees: “Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys (The Black Keys & Danger Mouse, producers) “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You,” Kelly Clarkson (Greg Kurstin, producer) “We Are Young,” fun. featuring Janelle Monae (Jeff Bhasker, producer) “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Gotye featuring Kimbra (Wally de Backer, producer) “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You,” Frank Ocean (Frank Ocean, producer) “We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together,” Taylor Swift (Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor...
- 2/7/2013
- Hitfix
Check out the lead installment of Ology's 2013 Grammy predictions guessing game: our picks for which bands, artists, albums and songs will win, should win and "what the hell, dude?" should've been nominated.
Today's Category:
Best Alternative Music Album
The Nominees:
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do – Fiona Apple
Biophilia – Björk
Making Mirrors – Gotye
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming – M83
Bad As Me – Tom Waits
Will Win:
Gotye
It's mind-boggling to think of Wally De Backer as anything remotely resembling alternative considering how ubiquitous "Somebody That I Used To Know" was in 2012, but never mind that: this year's nominees (with the exception of Gotye) are, dare I say it, maybe a little too alternative for the moms and dads out there. Bon Iver took home this award last year for releasing the only indie/alternative...
Today's Category:
Best Alternative Music Album
The Nominees:
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do – Fiona Apple
Biophilia – Björk
Making Mirrors – Gotye
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming – M83
Bad As Me – Tom Waits
Will Win:
Gotye
It's mind-boggling to think of Wally De Backer as anything remotely resembling alternative considering how ubiquitous "Somebody That I Used To Know" was in 2012, but never mind that: this year's nominees (with the exception of Gotye) are, dare I say it, maybe a little too alternative for the moms and dads out there. Bon Iver took home this award last year for releasing the only indie/alternative...
- 1/7/2013
- by Brett Warner
- TVology
One of the year's biggest music successes wasn't defined by millions of record sales, arena tours or even a controversial headline. He simply released a music video.
Korean entertainer Psy became a worldwide sensation with his video for "Gangnam Style," a cheeky commentary on a wealthy Korean district in South Korea rapped entirely in Korean. It's humorous, over-the-top and includes a signature dance move that rivals the popularity of the Macarena.
Since the video's release in July, the video has surpassed Justin Bieber's "Baby" as the most-viewed clip on the internet, raking in approximately 990,900,000 views and counting.
By way of Australia, musician Gotye also hit it big this year with a hit single "Somebody That I Used to Know." Although strong sales helped bolster Wally De Backer's success, the 350 million views on YouTube for the music video also did wonders for the band's popularity. So much so that...
Korean entertainer Psy became a worldwide sensation with his video for "Gangnam Style," a cheeky commentary on a wealthy Korean district in South Korea rapped entirely in Korean. It's humorous, over-the-top and includes a signature dance move that rivals the popularity of the Macarena.
Since the video's release in July, the video has surpassed Justin Bieber's "Baby" as the most-viewed clip on the internet, raking in approximately 990,900,000 views and counting.
By way of Australia, musician Gotye also hit it big this year with a hit single "Somebody That I Used to Know." Although strong sales helped bolster Wally De Backer's success, the 350 million views on YouTube for the music video also did wonders for the band's popularity. So much so that...
- 12/20/2012
- by Huffington Post Music Canada
- Huffington Post
Singer-songwriter Gotye’s song “Somebody That I Used to Know” became a smash hit in 2011, epitomizing lost love, glorifying naked body painting and leading to a nomination for the top prize at MTV’s 2012 Video Music Awards for video of the year. Photos: MTV Video Music Awards 2012: The Nominees The Belgian-Australian singer (whose real name is Wally De Backer) admits to The Hollywood Reporter that his fellow nominees—Rihanna, M.I.A and Katy Perry – have larger fan bases, which could work to their advantage – but don’t count him out just yet. “So the numbers would
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- 9/6/2012
- by Rebecca Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ABC Family "10 Things I Hate About You" stars Nicholas Braun and Kyle Kaplan use Gotye's hit "Somebody I Used to Know" to show how you just can't ignore an annoying song. The actors instead fall prey to the hit in the Youtube video "That Gotye Song".
They talk for over a minute about how they hate the song and how much it is played on the radio, but end up singing along to the catchy tune. Song parodies are popular on Youtube with comedian Weird Al Yankovic famous for his takes on Coolio, Lady Gaga, and Don McLean's hits.
Videos often parody annoying or overplayed songs. To some, Gotye's 2011 hit "Somebody That I Used to Know" fits this category. The song claimed the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and is nominated for two Teen Choice Awards -- "Choice Rock Song" and "Choice Break-Up Song...
They talk for over a minute about how they hate the song and how much it is played on the radio, but end up singing along to the catchy tune. Song parodies are popular on Youtube with comedian Weird Al Yankovic famous for his takes on Coolio, Lady Gaga, and Don McLean's hits.
Videos often parody annoying or overplayed songs. To some, Gotye's 2011 hit "Somebody That I Used to Know" fits this category. The song claimed the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and is nominated for two Teen Choice Awards -- "Choice Rock Song" and "Choice Break-Up Song...
- 7/13/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
By Zachary Swickey
Belgian-Australian swooner Gotye, real name Wouter De Backer, has been making a splash in the United States with his hit "Somebody That I used to Know," a high profile musical guest spot on “SNL” and a public tiff with hit show “Glee.” Now, in a new interview with NME, the singer reveals his dream collaborator and he also dishes on what life is like when you have money for a change.
When asked who his dream collab would be, he immediately responded, “I got to say idols of mine like Kate Bush, she's amazing. But then again, when you've idolized someone like that over the years, it's hard to meet them and treat them like a regular person."
As one can imagine, Gotye has also managed to receive some hefty royalty checks from impressive sales and radio spins of “Somebody That I Used to Know” off his...
Belgian-Australian swooner Gotye, real name Wouter De Backer, has been making a splash in the United States with his hit "Somebody That I used to Know," a high profile musical guest spot on “SNL” and a public tiff with hit show “Glee.” Now, in a new interview with NME, the singer reveals his dream collaborator and he also dishes on what life is like when you have money for a change.
When asked who his dream collab would be, he immediately responded, “I got to say idols of mine like Kate Bush, she's amazing. But then again, when you've idolized someone like that over the years, it's hard to meet them and treat them like a regular person."
As one can imagine, Gotye has also managed to receive some hefty royalty checks from impressive sales and radio spins of “Somebody That I Used to Know” off his...
- 5/3/2012
- by MTV News
- MTV Newsroom
Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" hit a TV saturation point last week when he performed the song on SNL just a few days after Darren Criss and Matt Bomer performed it as a vaguely incestuous duet on Glee. But Gotye himself was less than thrilled by Ryan Murphy's verion. "They did such a faithful arrangement of the instrumentals but the vocals were that pop Glee style," Gotye told Australia's Courier-Mail newspaper. "Ultra dry, sounded pretty tuned and the rock has no real sense, like it's playing to you from a cardboard box." Burn! We're not completely sure what exactly he means (what kind of cardboard box are we talking about?), but ... burn.
- 4/23/2012
- by Margaret Lyons
- Vulture
Glee covered Gotye's hit single "Somebody That I Used to Know" on a recent episode, but there's one person who isn't a fan of how they did it: the singer himself. The 31-year-old Australian artist, whose real name is Wally de Backer, explained why he wasn't 100 percent behind the Glee performance backstage at L.A.'s Nokia Theatre this past weekend. "They did such a faithful arrangement of the instrumentals but the vocals were that pop Glee style, ultra-dry, sounded pretty tuned and the rock has no real sense," he told the Sunday Mail, "like
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- 4/22/2012
- by Philiana Ng
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
'I don't think either of us could have predicted the success of the song,' she tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Kimbra
Photo: MTV News
When Gotye dropped "Somebody That I Used to Know," neither he nor his collaborator on the sad breakup track, Kimbra, had any idea how the song would resonate with fans.
When Kimbra stopped by MTV News last Friday, she told us she never imagined hearing the song on primetime TV shows and seeing it on the charts. The single (off Gotye's 2011 album, Making Mirrors) was covered by Matt Bomer and Darren Criss on "Glee," and contestants on both "The Voice" and "American Idol" pinned their music industry dreams on the track.
"I don't think either of us could have predicted the success of the song," she said of Gotye (a.k.a. Wally De Backer).
"Used to Know" topped several Billboard charts, including the Alternative and Rock Songs lists,...
By Jocelyn Vena
Kimbra
Photo: MTV News
When Gotye dropped "Somebody That I Used to Know," neither he nor his collaborator on the sad breakup track, Kimbra, had any idea how the song would resonate with fans.
When Kimbra stopped by MTV News last Friday, she told us she never imagined hearing the song on primetime TV shows and seeing it on the charts. The single (off Gotye's 2011 album, Making Mirrors) was covered by Matt Bomer and Darren Criss on "Glee," and contestants on both "The Voice" and "American Idol" pinned their music industry dreams on the track.
"I don't think either of us could have predicted the success of the song," she said of Gotye (a.k.a. Wally De Backer).
"Used to Know" topped several Billboard charts, including the Alternative and Rock Songs lists,...
- 4/16/2012
- MTV Music News
It's official: Gotye's addictive breakup single "Somebody That I Used To Know" has reached critical mass. It was performed on not one, not two but three national television shows within five days, and another two weeks before for good measure. If you tuned into "The Voice," "American Idol," "Glee" and "Saturday Night Live" in the past few weeks, you would've heard four different versions of the song.
And if that wasn't enough, "SNL" dedicated a Digital Short to the song and its interesting video, featuring the Australian singer-songwriter and two very intense fans (Taran Killam and Andy Samberg).
Naturally, this Gotye overload got us wondering: Who sang it best? The four versions of the tune are all included in videos below, so feel free to watch them all and share your thoughts.
Gotye himself (with special guest Kimbra) took on the duet during the April 15 episode of "SNL," singing a...
And if that wasn't enough, "SNL" dedicated a Digital Short to the song and its interesting video, featuring the Australian singer-songwriter and two very intense fans (Taran Killam and Andy Samberg).
Naturally, this Gotye overload got us wondering: Who sang it best? The four versions of the tune are all included in videos below, so feel free to watch them all and share your thoughts.
Gotye himself (with special guest Kimbra) took on the duet during the April 15 episode of "SNL," singing a...
- 4/15/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
This is part 2 of 4 of our "My Coachella" Series. Check back during Coachella for profiles on our favorite bands.
His name is Wally De Backer, but many of you know him as Gotye (pronounced go-ti-yay): the Australian musician whose smash hit, "Somebody That I Used To Know," is on every station, every iPhone and practically stuck in every head across America. The song is so popular that HuffPost has already put together a list of the best covers.
The Belgian-born artist has found success in Australia for years, but he is currently making waves in the Us -- scratch that -- he currently has jumped from a high cliff and made a giant cannonball splash into current pop music culture. The video for "Somebody That I Used To Know" [watch above] is like an infectious disease on YouTube, and watching it once is seriously not enough.
To put to simply: Gotye,...
His name is Wally De Backer, but many of you know him as Gotye (pronounced go-ti-yay): the Australian musician whose smash hit, "Somebody That I Used To Know," is on every station, every iPhone and practically stuck in every head across America. The song is so popular that HuffPost has already put together a list of the best covers.
The Belgian-born artist has found success in Australia for years, but he is currently making waves in the Us -- scratch that -- he currently has jumped from a high cliff and made a giant cannonball splash into current pop music culture. The video for "Somebody That I Used To Know" [watch above] is like an infectious disease on YouTube, and watching it once is seriously not enough.
To put to simply: Gotye,...
- 4/13/2012
- by Sasha Bronner
- Huffington Post
One of the greatest short films of 2009 was The Cat Piano, narrated by Nick Cave, which was shortlisted for an Academy Award. Written and directed by Ari Gibson and Eddie White, The Cat Piano did the viral rounds on the interwebs, fuelled by festival wins and great word of mouth. One of the people clearly wowed by it was Wally De Backer, a musician from Australia who trades under the name Gotye. For his previous music videos Gotye had collaborated with a range of animators, from Brendan Cook on 'Hearts A Mess', to Shannon Cross on 'Learnalilgivinanlovin', not to mention his longtime visual colloborator Jake Simkin. With a new album coinciding with headline Sydney Opera House gigs at the Graphic Festival this weekend, we can see that...
- 8/19/2011
- Screen Anarchy
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